Wright Plus: A Frank Lloyd Wright Weekend in Oak Park and River Forest

You may have been to see one or two Frank Lloyd Wright masterworks before, but why not check out an entire day’s worth of his masterpieces (and a few from his contemporaries) in the Chicago area? Sponsored by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, Wright Plus Housewalk is coming up on May 21, and it features nine private residences built by Wright available for touring inside and out from 9am to 5PM.

Get your tickets now! As part of this amazing day, visitors will have the opportunity to take rare interior tours of these private homes and public buildings and learn about their complex histories and the famed Prairie School of architecture. There are a few featured homes of note this year, including the Winslow House, which was Wright’s first independent commission.

Of course, there are other tremendous works on offer, including the Thomas Gale House, which was completed while Wright was actually working for the esteemed firm of Adler & Sullivan. It’s known as one of his, ahem, “bootleg” homes, as Wright was essentially moonlighting, leading to his getting the “boot” from Adler & Sullivan.

Additionally, visitors should not miss the Harry S. Adams House, which was Wright’s last commission in Oak Park. If you’d like a few more details, you can read this lovely introduction to Wright Plus penned by Kelsie Ozamiz.

Also, you might also consider making a whole weekend of it by signing up for a tour of the home and workplace of Alfonso Ianelli, who was one of Wright’s associates. There’s also a stellar tour of the St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Hyde Park, so you could also pay a visit to the Robie House, which is a 10 minute walk away.

Plan Your Visit

Oak Park and neighboring River Forest have the highest number of Wright-designed residences in the world. The Home and Studio at 951 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, is the Orientation Center for the Wright Plus housewalk.

From downtown Chicago (CTA): Take westbound Green Line 'L' train to Oak Park stop. Walk under tracks and go north 5 blocks on Oak Park Avenue to Chicago Avenue. Turn left (west) and walk 3 blocks to the Home and Studio. 15-20 minute walk.

From downtown Chicago (Metra): Board Union Pacific West Line train at Metra Station (Clinton & Madison Streets). Exit at Oak Park stop. Walk north 5 blocks on Marion Street to Chicago Avenue. Turn right and walk one block to the Home and Studio. 15-20 minute walk.

Author: Max Grinnell

Max Grinnell is an urbanologist, writer, and public speaker who has written three books about Chicago. His work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, the Rough Guides, Frommer's and he's been a guest numerous times on National Public Radio to talk about all things urban. As a graduate of the University of Chicago, he has a particular fondness for Hyde Park. You can keep up with Max and his musings via Twitter (@theurbanologist) and his website: www.theurbanologist.com